Neelesh A. Patankar
Papers
6
Total Citations
505
H-Index
6
About
Neelesh A. Patankar is a leading researcher in bio-inspired fluid dynamics, with a focus on understanding and replicating the remarkable swimming capabilities of aquatic organisms. His work primarily centers on the biomechanics of undulatory fin propulsion, particularly in weakly electric fish like the knifefish, and extends to sensory systems such as mammalian whiskers. Patankar’s major contributions include pioneering the study of ribbon-fin hydrodynamics during impulsive motion, revealing how counter-propagating waves enable agile maneuvering, and developing a framework to separate drag and thrust in undulatory swimmers—a challenge that had stumped researchers for decades. His 2011 paper on the mechanical properties of a bio-inspired robotic knifefish has garnered 174 citations, while his 2008 work on ribbon-fin propulsion has 115 citations, underscoring his influence. Notably, his 2010 study on counter-propagating waves introduced a novel locomotive strategy, and his 2014 paper on drag-thrust separability provides a foundational tool for future designs. Patankar’s research bridges biology and engineering, offering insights for agile underwater vehicles and sensory technologies, making him a key figure in bio-robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2The hydrodynamics of ribbon-fin propulsion during impulsive motion115 citations · 2008
- 3
- 4Undulating fins produce off-axis thrust and flow structures68 citations · 2013
- 5Separability of drag and thrust in undulatory animals and machines40 citations · 2014
- 6